Melanie Nuce-Hilton

What is GS1? 

GS1 is a not-for-profit organisation whose job is to help our members implement global supply chain standards for unique identification, data capture and data sharing between trading partners. GS1 US is part of GS1 global and is the largest of the 116 member organisations. 

Tell us about your role at GS1 US

I lead the Innovation & Partnerships team. We look at how emerging technology can support supply chain business processes to drive positive business outcomes. Before GS1 I was working in supply chain on data management and software, and also spent time in various supply chain and consulting roles.

When I first joined GS1 US, I was leading our apparel and general merchandise industry engagement group, working with leading brand manufacturers, retailers and other trading partners to help them assess how leveraging global standards can build consumer trust and deliver improved supply chain efficiency.

Why is GS1 important?

GS1 Standards create a common foundation for business by identifying, accurately capturing and automatically sharing vital information about products, locations, assets and more, in a consistent, repeatable way that scales across industries. 

If stakeholders have different processes and systems, straightforward information sharing can waste time and be highly susceptible to human error.

What role does GS1 play in supply chain sustainability?

It’s no longer enough for a company to just say its operations are sustainable, its raw materials are ethically sourced or its products are made from recycled materials – they must be able to prove it. 

This is where GS1 Standards play a pivotal role. To meet consumer demands, companies need complete, accurate and trusted data to back up their claims. As this data continues to be collected, digitised and shared in a standardised way, companies have what they need for verified transparency with trading partners and customers. 

What difference does GS1 make in the US?

GS1 US is leading the industry toward a migration to on-pack 2D barcodes, such as QR codes. The 1D UPC barcode we’re all familiar with will coexist on-pack with 2D barcodes for some time. 

The 2D barcode is extremely valuable because the amount of data contained delivers a wealth of consumer-engaging experiences and opportunities, while also ensuring trusted, vital brand information for consumers and enhancing many back office supply chain functions.

I see such global standards being leveraged in a better way as a means of enhanced collaboration. By leveraging globally recognised and accepted GS1 Standards, organisations can communicate with the same, consistent language. Those same GS1 Standards also provide the unique and persistent identification to support sustainability. That unique identifier – like a Global Trade Item Number – follows items and raw materials through the product life cycle.

Looking ahead, global standards will continue to evolve to meet the more specific demands for sustainability attributions, certifications and disclosures. Product labelling will be a huge piece of that. The increase in demand from consumers for more information is changing the future of labels, and standards are a critical enabler. 

Who inspires you?

My team inspires me to be better every day. They bring so much perspective and passion to work, trying to solve the business challenges that we can’t even see yet. 

Innovation means pushing the boundaries, being an advocate for change, and also an agent for change but in a practical way. Without multiple viewpoints on the world how can we truly innovate and make an impact that the world can feel?

Best advice ever received? 

Fail, and fail fast. You’ll learn from it and be stronger when you come out on the other side.